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The beaches of Barcelona

Capital of Catalunya, Barcelona, offers an array of attractions to over 8 million tourists visiting the city every year. A cultural hotspot of Southern Europe, known for the iconic Gaudi architecture, a mecca for the enthusiasts of fine dining, Barcelona is also sought after for its wonderful climate and privileged coastal location.

While for many the city is only a base for discovering the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, those on a city break in Barcelona will find a variety of beaches within an easy reach from the city centre.

All of Barcelona beaches are very clean and well maintained, having deserved the Blue Flag distinction for cleanliness and safety. Most offer excellent infrastructure: a life-guard, showers, changing rooms, locker-rooms, cafes and restaurants. Easy access for people with disabilities and mobility problems is also a common commodity on Barcelona city beaches.

BarcelonetaOne of the largest and definitely the most popular beach in the city spoils the holidaymakers for choice when it comes to the attractions and entertainment.

The beach has a dedicated area for beach volley and tennis, table tennis and gymnastic. Amongst other facilities are: children play area, bicycle parking area, tourist information point, sun loungers and umbrella rental, etc.

Barceloneta beach is friendly for people with reduced mobility.

The viewers of Discovery Channel voted Barceloneta the third best beach in the world:

As the closest to the city centre, at the peak of the holiday season Barceloneta often gets very crowded, which may turn some of the tourists off.

La Mar BellaMore tranquil and laid back location than other beaches of Barcelona. Although not providing as many attractions and leisure activities, Mar Bella beach is a perfect location for a break from the crowds. A dedicated nudist area is available for holidaymakers who would like to even their tan lines out.

BogatellCreated for the 1992 Olympic Games, the Bogatell Beach benefits from a modern design and diversity of infrastructures. A wide promenade stretching along Bogatell beach, perfect for jogging, rollerblading or cycling. An exercise area is popular with active holidaymakers. Two breakwaters separate Bogatell from the neighbouring beaches, making its water a bit calmer than in other locations on Barcelona coast.

Nova IcáriaLocated centrally on Barcelona coastline, La Nova Icária beach offers great facilities and leisure options, amongst them sports area with ping-pong tables and volleyball court, a wide choice of cafes and restaurants and excellent access for wheelchairs and strolleys.

Much like the adjacent Bogatell, protected by breakwaters, Nova Icária is known for its calm water, perfect for families with small children.

Parc del Forum / Banys ForumThis unique beach definitely stands out from the rest of Barcelona coast by the fact that it has no sand strip, but a cement platform. The large and shallow saltwater pool is an ideal location for swimming. Infrastructure for water sports which require a more sheltered location is provided.

LlevantA fairly recent beach of Barcelona, inaugurated in 2006, Llevant is the easternmost beach of Barcelona. It was created on the reclaimed grounds made available after the demolition of the Prim breakwater. Parc del Forum is located right next to the beach. Llevant offers slightly less commodities than other beaches of Barcelona. You will find here, however, showers and toilettes, sun loungers and umbrella rentals and a beach volleyball court. A climbing frame for children is available at the southern end of the beach.

Somorrostro BeachOriginally considered a part of Barceloneta, Somorrostro beached gained its own identity in 2010 when it was renamed to ‘Somorrostro’, in memory of an old, now extinct shanty neighbourhood, home to flamenco culture and a famous flamenco dancer, Carmen Amaya.

Barcelona’s landmarks, such as Frank Gehry ‘Golden Fish’ sculpture, or the famous Catwalk and Opium nightclubs are located in a walking distance from Somorrostro beach.

Sant Sebastià / Sant MiquelThe westernmost city beaches of Barcelona Sant Sebastià (or Sant Sebastian) and Sant Miquel blend together as a beachfront of Port Vell (The Old Harbour).

Sant Sebastian is one of the oldest beaches of Barcelona and is often frequented by the locals. The amenities include beach information point, showers and restrooms, a Red Cross station, sport facilities and parking for bicycles, among others.

The second of two nudist beaches of Barcelona is a part of Sant Sebastian beach.

Shaped as a giant sail, the W hotel, one of the architectural landmarks of Barcelona coast is located by the San Sebastian beach.